The manner in which the brain and spinal cord process pain sensations is abnormal in fibromyalgia sufferers.

Imaging studies show the brains of people with FM actually have more activity in reaction to pain.

While there is no test to detect fibromyalgia, it has been linked to genetics.

Chances are if one parent has this condition, there is a 50% chance their child will develop it too.

While studies show that fibromyalgia gets worse with age, for some it may get better.

Natural Treatments

Fibromyalgia affects 2% – 4% of the population with 80% – 90% of the affected being women.

That said, it does show up in both genders and in people of all ages, but is typically diagnosed during middle age.

Fibromyalgia knows no boundaries.

Quite often, it has been described as shooting, stabbing and muscle aching pain.

There is unfortunately no known cure.

When treating FM, many prefer to go the more natural route.

Physical therapy, acupuncture, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and exercise are known to be effective in treating fibromyalgia naturally.

Simple lifestyle modifications may help you conserve energy and minimize pain.

Dietary Changes

Diet plays a vital role in FM treatment.

There are foods which help you feel great while others make symptoms worse.

Helpful foods:

Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables make up the foundation of a healthy diet as they can act as natural anti-inflammatories.

Omega-3 Rich Foods

Cold-water fish are a great source of omega-3 for those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Lean Protein

Eat some type of protein at every meal—whether it be chicken, fish, beans, nuts or peanut butter, they all give you energy by fueling your muscles. Bulking up on protein is essential when you have fibromyalgia as you have the tendency to often feel drained and low on energy.

Harmful foods:

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system which can cause anxiety and withdrawal.

Decrease your daily coffee fix with either switching to decaf or tea.

Carbohydrates

Instead of refined grains such as white bread, eat more whole grains such as brown rice and whole-grain cereals to increase your fiber intake.

Artificial Sweeteners

Avoid artificial sweetener, as well as all processed foods that offer very little nutritional value such as cakes, cookies, fried foods, and soda.

Keep a diet diary to see what foods help and harm you.

Did You Know

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, a collection of symptoms. It can occur as a primary or secondary condition. To be diagnosed with FM, you must have pain in 11 of the 18 “tender point” sites for longer than three months.

Up to 90% of fibromyalgia patients suffer with severe fatigue or a sleep disorder.

Obesity may be related to FM pain, disability, and sleep.

There are no specific tests for fibromyalgia. Doctors take medical history and possible x-rays into consideration. In the end, it is a process of elimination that eventually leads to a diagnosis.

One study found that pain and fibromyalgia symptoms were severely worse in women who had had a hysterectomy.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, make time to relax each day.

Exercise often and educate yourself on the condition.

Understand your pain and treat it well.

Body and soul cannot be separated for purposes of treatment, for they are one and indivisible.